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EXHIBIT 8(a)(3)
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
AIM EQUITY FUNDS, INC.
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PAGE
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1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held By It . . . . . . . 1
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property
of the Fund Held by the Custodian in the United States . . . . . . . 3
2.1 Holding Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Delivery of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 Registration of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.4 Bank Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
2.6 Collection of Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of
Receipt of Securities Purchased. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
2.9 Appointment of Agents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems . . . . . . . .15
2.10A Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct
Paper System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
2.11 Segregated Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
2.12 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. . . . . . . . . . .21
2.13 Proxies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
2.14 Communications Relating to Portfolio
Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of
the Fund Held Outside of the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians . . . . . . . . . . .23
3.2 Assets to be Held. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
3.3 Foreign Securities Depositories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
3.4 Segregation of Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions . . . . . . . .25
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund. . . . . . . .25
3.7 Reports by Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account . . . . . . . . . .26
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians. . . . . . . . . . . . .27
3.10 Liability of Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
3.11 Reimbursement for Advances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
3.14 Tax Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchase or Redemptions
of Shares of the Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
5. Proper Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
6. Actions Permitted without Express Authority . . . . . . . . . . . .33
7. Evidence of Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
8. Duties of Custodian With Respect to the Books of Account
and Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income . . . . . . . . .34
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9. Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountants . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants . . . . . . . . .36
12. Compensation of Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
13. Responsibility of Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
14. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . .39
15. Successor Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
17. Additional Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
18. Massachusetts Law to Apply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
19. Prior Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
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CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
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This Contract between AIM Equity Funds, Inc., a corporation organized
and existing under the laws of Maryland, having its principal place of business
at ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ hereinafter called the
"Fund", and State Street Bank and Trust Company, a Massachusetts trust company,
having its principal place of business at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇, hereinafter called the "Custodian",
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series,
with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of
securities and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the Fund offers shares in three series, the AIM Charter Fund,
AIM Constellation Fund, and AIM ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund (such series together with all
other series subsequently established by the Fund and made subject to this
Contract in accordance with paragraph 17, being herein referred to as the
"Portfolio(s)");
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It
The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of the assets
of the Portfolios of the Fund, including securities which the Fund, on behalf of
the applicable Portfolio desires to be held in places within the United States
("domestic
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securities") and securities it desires to be held outside the United States
("foreign securities") consistent with the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation. The Fund on behalf of the Portfolio(s) agrees to deliver to the
Custodian all securities and cash of the Portfolios, and all payments of
income, payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with
respect to all securities owned by the Portfolio(s) from time to time, and the
cash consideration received by it for such new or treasury shares of capital
stock of the Fund representing interests in the Portfolios, ("Shares") as may
be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian shall not be responsible
for any property of a Portfolio held or received by the Portfolio and not
delivered to the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Article
5), the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) from time to
time employ one or more sub-custodians, located in the United States but only
in accordance with an applicable vote by the Board of Directors of the Fund on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s), and provided that the Custodian shall
have no more or less responsibility or liability to the Fund on account of any
actions or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed than any such
sub-custodian has to the Custodian. The Custodian may employ as sub-custodian
for the Fund's foreign securities on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories designated in
Schedule A hereto but only in accordance with the provisions of Article 3.
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2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held By
the Custodian in the United States
2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically
segregate for the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property, to
be held by it in the United States including all domestic securities
owned by such Portfolio, other than (a) securities which are maintained
pursuant to Section 2.10 in a clearing agency which acts as a
securities depository or in a book-entry system authorized by the U. S.
Department of the Treasury, collectively referred to herein as
"Securities System" and (b) commercial paper of an issuer for which
State Street Bank and Trust Company acts as issuing and paying agent
("Direct Paper") which is deposited and/or maintained in the Direct
Paper System of the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.10A.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver
domestic securities owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian or in a
Securities System account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's
Direct Paper book entry system account ("Direct Paper System Account")
only upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of
the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions when
deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:
1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the
Portfolio and receipt for payment therefor;
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2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any
repurchase agreement related to such securities
entered into by the Portfolio;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a Securities
System, in accordance with the provisions of Section
2.10 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or
other similar offers for securities of the Portfolio;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such
securities are called, redeemed, retired or
otherwise become payable; provided that, in any such
case, the cash or other consideration is to be
delivered to the Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer
into the name of the Portfolio or into the name of any
nominee or nominees of the Custodian or into the name
or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to
Section 2.9 or into the name or nominee name of any
sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1; or for
exchange for a different number of bonds,
certificates or other evidence representing the same
aggregate face amount or number of units; provided
that, in any such case, the new securities are to be
delivered to the Custodian;
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7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of
the Portfolio, to the broker or its clearing agent,
against a receipt, for examination in accordance with
"street delivery" custom; provided that in any such
case, the Custodian shall have no responsibility or
liability for any loss arising from the delivery of
such securities prior to receiving payment for such
securities except as may arise from the Custodian's
own negligence or willful misconduct;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of
merger, consolidation, recapitalization,
reorganization or readjustment of the securities of
the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to
provisions for conversion contained in such
securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement;
provided that, in any such case, the new securities
and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar
securities, the surrender thereof in the exercise of
such warrants, rights or similar securities or the
surrender of interim receipts or temporary securities
for
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definitive securities; provided that, in any such
case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be
delivered to the Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of
securities made by the Portfolio, but only against
receipt of adequate collateral as agreed upon from
time to time by the Custodian and the Fund on behalf
of the Portfolio, which may be in the form of cash or
obligations issued by the United States government,
its agencies or instrumentalities, except that in
connection with any loans for which collateral is to
be credited to the Custodian's account in the
book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department
of the Treasury, the Custodian will not be held
liable or responsible for the delivery of securities
owned by the Portfolio prior to the receipt of such
collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any
borrowings by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund on behalf of
the Portfolio, but only against receipt of amounts
borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of
any agreement among the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio, the Custodian and a
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broker-dealer registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and a
member of The National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), relating to compliance with
the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of
any registered national securities exchange, or of
any similar organization or organizations, regarding
escrow or other arrangements in connection with
transactions by the Portfolio of the Fund;
13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio,
the Custodian, and a Futures Commission Merchant
registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating
to compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission and/or any Contract Market, or any
similar organization or organizations, regarding
account deposits in connection with transactions by
the Portfolio of the Fund;
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent
("Transfer Agent") for the Fund, for delivery to such
Transfer Agent or to the holders of shares in
connection with distributions in kind, as may be
described
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from time to time in the currently effective
prospectus and statement of additional information of
the Fund, related to the Portfolio ("Prospectus"), in
satisfaction of requests by holders of Shares for
repurchase or redemption; and
15) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon
receipt of, in addition Proper Instructions from the
Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, a
certified copy of a resolution of the Board of
Directors or of the Executive Committee signed by an
officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary, specifying the securities of
the Portfolio to be delivered, setting forth the
purpose for which such delivery is to be made,
declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate
purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom
delivery of such securities shall be made.
2.3 Registration of Securities. Domestic securities held by the Custodian
(other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the
Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio or of any nominee of the Custodian which nominee shall be
assigned exclusively to the Portfolio, unless the Fund has authorized
in writing the appointment of a nominee to
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be used in common with other registered investment companies having
the same investment adviser as the Portfolio, or in the name or
nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or in the
name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant
to Article 1. All securities accepted by the Custodian on behalf of
the Portfolio under the terms of this Contract shall be in "street
name" or other good delivery form. If, however, the Fund directs the
Custodian to maintain securities in "street name", the Custodian shall
utilize its best efforts only to timely collect income due the Fund on
such securities and to notify the Fund on a best efforts basis only of
relevant corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency of
calls, maturities, tender or exchange offers.
2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
account or accounts in the United States in the name of each Portfolio
of the Fund, subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting
pursuant to the terms of this Contract, and shall hold in such account
or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof, all cash received by it
from or for the account of the Portfolio, other than cash maintained
by the Portfolio in a bank account established and used in accordance
with Rule 17f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Funds held
by the Custodian for a Portfolio may be deposited by it to its credit
as Custodian in the Banking Department
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of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust companies as it may in
its discretion deem necessary or desirable; provided, however, that
every such bank or trust company shall be qualified to act as a
custodian under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and that each such
bank or trust company and the funds to be deposited with each such bank
or trust company shall on behalf of each applicable Portfolio be
approved by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund.
Such funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as
Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian in its capacity as
Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that
capacity.
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between the Fund
on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian, the
Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund
on behalf of a Portfolio, make federal funds available to such
Portfolio as of specified times agreed upon from time to time by the
Fund and the Custodian in the amount of checks received in payment for
Shares of such Portfolio which are deposited into the Portfolio's
account.
2.6 Collection of Income. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the
Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other
payments with respect to registered domestic securities held hereunder
to which each Portfolio shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to
custom in the securities business, and shall
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collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect
to bearer domestic securities if, on the date of payment by the
issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or its agent thereof
shall credit such income, as collected, to such Portfolio's custodian
account. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Custodian shall detach and present for payment all coupons and other
income items requiring presentation as and when they become due and
shall collect interest when due on securities held hereunder. Income
due each Portfolio on securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of
Section 2.2 (10) shall be the responsibility of the Fund. The
Custodian will have no duty or responsibility in connection therewith,
other than to provide the Fund with such information or data as may be
necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to
the Custodian of the income to which the Portfolio is properly
entitled.
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the
Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian
shall pay out monies of a Portfolio in the following cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options,
futures contracts or options on futures contracts for
the account of the Portfolio but only (a) against the
delivery
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of such securities or evidence of title to such
options, futures contracts or options on futures
contracts to the Custodian (or any bank, banking firm
or trust company doing business in the United States
or abroad which is qualified under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a
custodian and has been designated by the Custodian as
its agent for this purpose) registered in the name of
the Portfolio or in the name of a nominee of the
Custodian referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in
proper form for transfer; (b) in the case of a
purchase effected through a Securities System, in
accordance with the conditions set forth in Section
2.10 hereof; (c) in the case of a purchase involving
the Direct Paper System, in accordance with the
conditions set forth in Section 2.10A; (d) in the
case of repurchase agreements entered into between
the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the
Custodian, or another bank, or a broker-dealer which
is a member of NASD, (i) against delivery of the
securities either in certificate form or through an
entry crediting the Custodian's account at the
Federal Reserve Bank with such securities or
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(ii) against delivery of the receipt evidencing
purchase by the Portfolio of securities owned by the
Custodian along with written evidence of the
agreement by the custodian to repurchase such
securities from the Portfolio or (e) for transfer to
a time deposit account of the Fund in any bank,
whether domestic or foreign; such transfer may be
effected prior to receipt of a confirmation from a
broker and/or the applicable bank pursuant to Proper
Instructions from the Fund as defined in Article 5;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or
surrender of securities owned by the Portfolio as
set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares
issued by the Portfolio as set forth in Article 4
hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability
incurred by the Portfolio, including but not limited
to the following payments for the account of the
Portfolio: interest, taxes, management, accounting,
transfer agent and legal fees, and operating expenses
of the Fund whether or not such expenses are to be in
whole or part capitalized or treated as deferred
expenses;
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5) For the payment of any dividends on Shares of the
Portfolio declared pursuant to the governing
documents of the Fund;
6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in
respect of securities sold short;
7) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt
of, in addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund
on behalf of the Portfolio, a certified copy of a
resolution of the Board of Directors or of the
Executive Committee of the Fund signed by an officer
of the Fund and certified by its Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary, specifying the amount of such
payment, setting forth the purpose for which such
payment is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a
proper purpose, and naming the person or persons to
whom such payment is to be made.
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased.
Except as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and
every case where payment for purchase of domestic securities for the
account of a Portfolio is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt
of the securities purchased in the absence of specific written
instructions from the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio to so pay in
advance, the Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the Fund for such
securities to the
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same extent as if the securities had been received by the Custodian.
2.9 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times in its
discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) and other bank or
trust company which is itself qualified under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a custodian, as its agent to carry
out such of the provisions of this Article 2 as the Custodian may from
time to time direct; provided, however, that the appointment of any
agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its responsibilities or
liabilities hereunder.
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in a clearing
agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under
Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a
securities depository, or in the book-entry system authorized by the
U.S. Department of the Treasury and certain federal agencies,
collectively referred to herein as "Securities System" in accordance
with applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange
Commission rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the following
provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in
a Securities System provided that such securities are
represented in an account ("Account") of the
Custodian in the
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Securities System which shall not include any assets
of the Custodian other than assets held as a
fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to
securities of the Portfolio which are maintained in a
Securities System shall identify by book-entry those
securities belonging to the Portfolio;
3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for
the account of the Portfolio upon (i) receipt of
advice from the Securities System that such
securities have been transferred to the Account, and
(ii) the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for
the account of the Portfolio. The Custodian shall
transfer securities sold for the account of the
Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the
Securities System that payment for such securities
has been transferred to the Account, and (ii) the
making of an entry on the records of the Custodian
to reflect such transfer and payment for the account
of the Portfolio. Copies of all advices from the
Securities System of transfers of securities for the
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account of the Portfolio shall identify the
Portfolio, be maintained for the Portfolio by the
Custodian and be provided to the Fund at its request.
Upon request, the Custodian shall furnish the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio confirmation of each transfer
to or from the account for the Portfolio in the form
of a written advice or notice and shall furnish to
the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio copies of daily
transaction sheets reflecting each day's transactions
in the Securities System for the account of the
Portfolio.
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund for the
Portfolio with any report obtained by the Custodian
on the Securities System's accounting system,
internal accounting control and procedures for
safeguarding securities deposited in the Securities
System;
5) The Custodian shall have received from the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio the initial or annual
certificate, as the case may be, required by Article
14 hereof;
6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract
notwithstanding, the Custodian shall be liable to the
Fund for the benefit of the Portfolio for any loss or
damage to the
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Portfolio resulting from use of the Securities System
by reason of any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct
of the Custodian or any of its agents or of any of its
or their employees or from failure of the Custodian or
any such agent to enforce effectively such rights as
it may have against the Securities System; at the
election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be
subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with
respect to any claim against the Securities System or
any other person which the Custodian may have as a
consequence of any such loss or damage if and to the
extent that the Portfolio has not been made whole for
any such loss or damage.
2.10A Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System
The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a
Portfolio in the Direct Paper System of the custodian subject to the
following provisions:
1) No transaction relating to securities in the
Direct Paper System will be effected in the
absence of Proper Instructions from the Fund
on behalf of the Portfolio;
2) The Custodian may keep securities of the
Portfolio in the Direct Paper System only if
such securities are represented in an account
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("Account") of the Custodian in the Direct
Paper System which shall not include any
assets of the Custodian other than assets
held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise
for customers;
3) The records for the Custodian with respect to
securities of the Portfolio which are
maintained in the direct Paper System shall
identify by book-entry those securities
belonging to the Portfolio;
4) The Custodian shall pay for securities
purchased for the account of the Portfolio
upon the making of an entry on the records of
the Custodian to reflect such payment and
transfer of securities to the account of the
Portfolio. The Custodian shall transfer
securities sold for the account of the
Portfolio upon the making of an entry on the
records of the Custodian to reflect such
transfer and receipt of payment for the
account of the Portfolio;
5) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio confirmation of each
transfer to or from the account of the
Portfolio, in the form of a written advice or
notice, of Direct Paper on the next business
day following such transfer and shall furnish
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to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio copies
of daily transaction sheets reflecting each
day's transaction in the Securities System
for the account of the Portfolio;
6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio with any report on
its system of internal account control as the
Fund may reasonably request from time to
time.
2.11 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
Instructions from the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio
establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on
behalf of each such Portfolio, into which account or accounts may be
transferred cash and/or securities, including securities maintained in
an account by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof, (i) in
accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered
under the Exchange Act and a member of the NASD (or any futures
commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act),
relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing
Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered contract
market), or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding
escrow or other arrangements in connection with
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transactions by the Portfolio, (ii) for the purposes of segregating
cash or government securities in connection with options purchased,
sold or written by the Portfolio or commodity futures contracts or
options thereon purchased or sold by the Portfolio, (iii) for the
purposes of compliance by the Portfolio with the procedures required
by Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release
or releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the
maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies
and (iv) for other proper corporate purposes,but only, in the case of
clause (iv), upon receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions from
the Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, a certified copy of a
resolution of the Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee
signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary, setting forth the purpose or purposes of such
segregated account and declaring such purposes to be proper corporate
purposes.
2.12 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall execute
ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and
state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other
payments with respect to domestic securities of each Portfolio held
by it and in connection with transfers of securities.
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2.13 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic securities
held hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder
of such securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in
the name of the Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all proxies,
without indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be
voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Portfolio such proxies, all
proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to such
securities.
2.14 Communications Relating to Portfolio Securities Subject to the
provisions of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit
promptly to the Fund for each Portfolio all written information
(including, without limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of
domestic securities and expirations of rights in connection therewith
and notices of exercise of call and put options written by the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio and the maturity of futures contracts
purchased or sold by the Portfolio) received by the Custodian from
issuers of the securities being held for the Portfolio. With respect
to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to
the Portfolio all written information received by the Custodian from
issuers of the securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from
the party (or his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the
Portfolio desires to take action with respect to any tender offer,
exchange offer or any other similar transaction, the
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Portfolio shall notify the Custodian at least three business days
prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such action.
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held
Outside of the United States
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians
The Fund hereby authorizes and instructs the Custodian to employ as
sub-custodians for the Portfolio's securities and other assets
maintained outside the United States the foreign banking institutions
and foreign securities depositories designated on Schedule A hereto
("foreign sub-custodians"). Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions", as
defined in Section 5 of this Contract, together with a certified
resolution of the Fund's Board of Directors, the Custodian and the
Fund may agree to amend Schedule A hereto from time to time to
designate additional foreign banking institutions and foreign
securities depositories to act as sub-custodian. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Fund may instruct the Custodian to cease the
employment of any one or more such sub-custodians for maintaining
custody of the Portfolio's assets.
3.2 Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the securities and
other assets maintained in the custody of the foreign sub-custodians
to: (a) "foreign securities", as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule
17f-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and (b) cash and cash
-23-
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equivalents in such amounts as the Custodian or the Fund may determine
to be reasonably necessary to effect the Portfolio's foreign
securities transactions.
3.3 Foreign Securities Depositories. Except as may otherwise be agreed
upon in writing by the Custodian and the Fund, assets of the
Portfolios shall be maintained in foreign securities depositories only
through arrangements implemented by the foreign banking institutions
serving as sub-custodians pursuant to the terms hereof. Where
possible, such arrangements shall include entry into agreements
containing the provisions set forth in Section 3.5 hereof.
3.4 Segregation of Securities. The Custodian shall identify on its books
as belonging to each applicable Portfolio of the Fund, the foreign
securities of such Portfolios held by each foreign sub-custodian.
Each agreement pursuant to which the Custodian employs a foreign
banking institution shall require that such institution establish a
custody account for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund for each
applicable Portfolio of the Fund and physically segregate in each
account, securities and other assets of the Portfolios, and, in the
event that such institution deposits the securities of one or more of
the Portfolios in a foreign securities depository, that it shall
identify on its books as belonging to the Custodian, as agent for each
applicable Portfolio, the securities so deposited.
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3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a
foreign banking institution shall be substantially in the form set
forth in Exhibit 1 hereto and shall provide that: (a) the assets of
each Portfolio will not be subject to any right, charge, security
interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the foreign banking
institution or its creditors or agent, except a claim of payment for
their safe custody or administration; (b) beneficial ownership for the
assets of each Portfolio will be freely transferable without the
payment of money or value other than for custody or administration;
(c) adequate records will be maintained identifying the assets as
belonging to each applicable Portfolio; (d) officers of or auditors
employed by, or other representatives of the Custodian, including to
the extent permitted under applicable law the independent public
accountants for the Fund, will be given access to the books and
records of the foreign banking institution relating to its actions
under its agreement with the Custodian; and (e) assets of the
Portfolios held by the foreign sub-custodian will be subject only to
the instructions of the Custodian or its agents.
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund. Upon request of the
Fund, the Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the
independent accountants of the Fund to be afforded access to the books
and records of any foreign banking institution employed as a foreign
-25-
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sub-custodian insofar as such books and records relate to the
performance of such foreign banking institution under its agreement
with the Custodian.
3.7 Reports by Custodian. The Custodian will supply to the Fund from
time to time, as mutually agreed upon, statements in respect of the
securities and other assets of the Portfolio(s) held by foreign
sub-custodians, including but not limited to an identification of
entities having possession of the Portfolio(s) securities and other
assets and advices or notifications of any transfers of securities to
or from each custodial account maintained by a foreign banking
institution for the Custodian on behalf of each applicable Portfolio
indicating, as to securities acquired for a Portfolio, the identity of
the entity having physical possession of such securities.
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account
(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this Section
3.8, the provision of Sections 2.2 and 2.7 of this Contract shall
apply, mutatis mutandis to the foreign securities of the Fund held
outside the United States by foreign sub-custodians.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the contrary,
settlement and payment for securities received for the account of each
applicable Portfolio and delivery of securities maintained for the
account of each applicable Portfolio may be effected in accordance
with
-26-
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the customary established securities trading or securities processing
practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or market in which the
transaction occurs, including, without limitation, delivering
securities to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an
agent for such purchaser or dealer) against a receipt with the
expectation of receiving later payment for such securities from such
purchaser or dealer.
(c) Securities maintained in the custody of a foreign sub-custodian
may be maintained in the name of such entity's nominee to the same
extent as set forth in Section 2.3 of this Contract, and the Fund
agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from any liability as a
holder of record of such securities.
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians. Each agreement pursuant to
which the Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign
sub-custodian shall require the institution to exercise reasonable
care in the performance of its duties and to indemnify, and hold
harmless, the Custodian and each Fund from and against any loss,
damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising out of or in
connection with the institution's performance of such obligations. At
the election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the
rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims against a foreign
banking institution as a consequence of any such loss, damage, cost,
expense, liability or claim if and to
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the extent that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss,
damage, cost, expense, liability or claim.
3.10 Liability of Custodian. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts
or omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set
forth with respect to sub-custodians generally in this Contract and,
regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign
banking institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch of a
U.S. bank as contemplated by paragraph 3.13 hereof, the Custodian shall
not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim
resulting from nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions,
or acts of war or terrorism or any loss where the sub-custodian has
otherwise exercised reasonable care. Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions of this paragraph 3.10, in delegating custody duties to
State Street London Ltd., the Custodian shall not be relieved of any
responsibility to the Fund for any loss due to such delegation, except
such loss as may result from (a) political risk (including, but not
limited to, exchange control restrictions, confiscation, expropriation,
nationalization, insurrection, civil strife or armed hostilities) or
(b) other losses (excluding a bankruptcy or insolvency of State Street
London Ltd. not caused by political risk) due to Acts of God, nuclear
incident or other losses under circumstances where the Custodian and
State Street London Ltd. have exercised reasonable care.
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3.11 Reimbursement for Advances. If the Fund requires the Custodian to
advance cash or securities for any purpose for the benefit of a
Portfolio including the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or of
contracts for foreign exchange, or in the event that the Custodian or
its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses,
assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance
of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its nominee's
own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct,
any property at any time held for the account of the applicable
Portfolio shall be security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay
the Custodian promptly after notice, the Custodian shall be entitled
to utilize available cash and to dispose of such Portfolios assets to
the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish annually to
the Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the foreign
sub-custodians employed by the Custodian. Such information shall be
similar in kind and scope to that furnished to the Fund in connection
with the initial approval of this Contract. In addition, the
Custodian will promptly inform the Fund in the event that the
Custodian learns of a material adverse change in the financial
condition of a foreign sub-custodian or any material loss of the
assets of the Fund or in the case of any foreign sub-custodian
-29-
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not the subject of an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange
Commission is notified by such foreign sub-custodian that there
appears to be a substantial likelihood that its shareholders' equity
will decline below $200 million (U.S. dollars or the equivalent
thereof) or that its shareholders' equity has declined below $200
million (in each case computed in accordance with generally accepted
U.S. accounting principles).
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks
(a) Except as otherwise set forth in this Contract, the provisions
hereof shall not apply where the custody of the Portfolios assets are
maintained in a foreign branch of a banking institution which is a
"bank" as defined by Section 2(a)(5) of the Investment Company Act of
1940 meeting the qualification set forth in Section 26(a) of said Act.
The appointment of any such branch as a sub-custodian shall be
governed by paragraph 1 of this Contract.
(b) Cash held for each Portfolio of the Fund in the United Kingdom
shall be maintained in an interest bearing account established for
the Fund with the Custodian's London branch, which account shall be
subject to the direction of the Custodian, State Street London Ltd.
or both.
3.14 Tax Law
The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any
obligations now or hereafter imposed on the Fund
-30-
34
or the Custodian as custodian of the Fund by the tax law of the United
States of America or any state or political subdivision thereof. It
shall be the responsibility of the Fund to notify the Custodian of the
obligations imposed on the Fund or the Custodian as custodian of the
Fund by the tax law of jurisdictions other than those mentioned in the
above sentence, including responsibility for withholding and other
taxes, assessments or other governmental charges, certifications and
governmental reporting. The sole responsibility of the Custodian with
regard to such tax law shall be to use reasonable efforts to assist
the Fund with respect to any claim for exemption or refund under the
tax law of jurisdictions for which the Fund has provided such
information.
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of the Fund
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Shares or from
the Transfer Agent of the Fund and deposit into the account of the appropriate
Portfolio such payments as are received for Shares of that Portfolio issued or
sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely
notification to the Fund on behalf of each such Portfolio and the Transfer
Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Portfolio.
From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to
the limitations of the Articles of Incorporation and any applicable votes of
the Board of Directors of the Fund
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pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of instructions from the
Transfer Agent, make funds available for payment to holders of Shares who have
delivered to the Transfer Agent a request for redemption or repurchase of their
Shares. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of a
Portfolio, the Custodian is authorized upon receipt of instructions from the
Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the
redeeming shareholders. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of
Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by
a holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by the Fund to the holder
of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with such procedures
and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and
the Custodian.
5. Proper Instructions
Proper Instructions as used throughout this Contract means a writing
signed or initialled by one or more person or persons as the Board of Directors
shall have from time to time authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the
specific transaction or type of transaction involved, including a specific
statement of the purpose for which such action is requested. Oral instructions
will be considered Proper Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes
them to have been given by a person authorized to give such instructions with
respect to the transaction involved. The Fund shall cause all oral instructions
to be confirmed in writing. Upon receipt of a certificate of the Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary as to the authorization by
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the Board of Directors of the Fund accompanied by a detailed description of
procedures approved by the Board of Directors, Proper Instructions may include
communications effected directly between electro-mechanical or electronic
devices provided that the Board of Directors and the Custodian are satisfied
that such procedures afford adequate safeguards for the Portfolios' assets. For
purposes of this Section, Proper Instructions shall include instructions
received by the Custodian pursuant to any three-party agreement which requires
a segregated asset account in accordance with Section 2.11.
6. Actions Permitted without Express Authority
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from
the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of
handling securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this
Contract, provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in
definitive form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, checks,
drafts and other negotiable instruments; and
4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in
connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other
dealings with the securities and property of the Portfolio except as otherwise
directed by the Board of Directors of the Fund.
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7. Evidence of Authority
The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions,
notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper believed by
it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the
Fund. The Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a vote of the
Board of Directors of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of
any person to act in accordance with such vote or b) of any determination or of
any action by the Board of Directors pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation
as described in such vote, and such vote may be considered as in full force and
effect until receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and
Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to
the entity or entities appointed by the Board of Directors of the Fund to keep
the books of account of each Portfolio and/or compute the net asset value per
share of the outstanding shares of each Portfolio or, if directed in writing to
do so by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, shall itself keep such books of
account and/or compute such net asset value per share. If so directed, the
Custodian shall also calculate daily the net income of the Portfolio as
described in the Fund's currently effective prospectus related to such
Portfolio and shall advise the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total
amounts of such net income and, if instructed in writing by an officer of the
Fund to do so, shall advise the Transfer Agent
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periodically of the division of such net income among its various components.
The calculations of the net asset value per share and the daily income of each
Portfolio shall be made at the time or times described from time to time in the
Fund's currently effective prospectus related to such Portfolio.
9. Records
The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio create and maintain
all records relating to its activities and obligations under this Contract in
such manner as will meet the obligations of the Fund under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules
31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder. All such records shall be the property of the Fund
and shall at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be
open for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the
Fund and employees and agents of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
Custodian shall, at the Fund's request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of
securities owned by each Portfolio and held by the Custodian and shall, when
requested to do so by the Fund and for such compensation as shall be agreed
upon between the Fund and the Custodian, include certificate numbers in such
tabulations.
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund on behalf
of each applicable Portfolio may from time to time request, to obtain from year
to year favorable opinions from the Fund's independent accountants with respect
to its activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund's
Form
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N1-A, and Form N-SAR or other annual reports to the Securities and Exchange
Commission and with respect to any other requirements of such Commission.
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, on behalf of each of the
Portfolios at such times as the Fund may reasonably require, with reports by
independent public accountants on the accounting system, internal accounting
control and procedures for safeguarding securities, futures contracts and
options on futures contracts, including securities deposited and/or maintained
in a Securities System, relating to the services provided by the Custodian
under this Contract; such reports, shall be of sufficient scope and in
sufficient detail, as may reasonably be required by the Fund to provide
reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would be disclosed by such
examination, and, if there are no such inadequacies, the reports shall so
state.
12. Compensation of Custodian
The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its
services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon in writing from time to time
between the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian.
13. Responsibility of Custodian
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable
care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or
genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or
delivered by it pursuant to this
-36-
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Contract and shall be held harmless in acting upon any notice, request,
consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably believed by it to be
genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties, including any futures
commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a three-party futures or
options agreement. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of reasonable
care in carrying out the provisions of this Contract, but shall be kept
indemnified by and shall be without liability to the Fund for any action taken
or omitted by it in good faith without negligence. It shall be entitled to
rely on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on
all matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or
omitted pursuant to such advice.
The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a foreign
banking institution appointed pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 to the
same extent as set forth in Article 1 hereof with respect to sub-custodians
located in the United States (except as specifically provided in Article 3.10)
and, regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign
banking institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch of a U.S. bank
as contemplated by paragraph 3.13 hereof, the Custodian shall not be liable for
any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim resulting from, or caused
by, the direction of or authorization by the Fund to maintain custody of any
securities or cash of the Fund in a foreign country including, but not limited
to, losses resulting from nationalization, expropriation, currency
restrictions, or acts of war or terrorism.
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If the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requires the Custodian to take
any action with respect to securities, which action involves the payment of
money or which action may, in the opinion of the Custodian, result in the
Custodian or its nominee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable for
the payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take
such action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form
satisfactory to it.
If the Fund requires the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or
agents, to advance cash or securities for any purpose (including but not
limited to securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed
settlement) for the benefit of a Portfolio including the purchase or sale of
foreign exchange or of contracts for foreign exchange or in the event that the
Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges,
expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance
of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its nominee's own
negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct, any property
at any time held for the account of the applicable Portfolio shall be security
therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the
Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of such
Portfolio's assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
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42
14. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment
This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall
continue in full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may
be amended at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be
terminated by either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed,
postage prepaid to the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner
than thirty (30) days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided,
however that the Custodian shall not with respect to a Portfolio act under
Section 2.10 hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Directors of the Fund has
approved the initial use of a particular Securities System by such Portfolio
and the receipt of an annual certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary that the Board of Directors has reviewed the use by such Portfolio of
such Securities System, as required in each case by Rule 17f-4 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and that the Custodian shall not
with respect to a Portfolio act under Section 2.10A hereof in the absence of
receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary
that the Board of Directors has approved the initial use of the Direct Paper
System by such Portfolio and the receipt of an annual certificate of the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Directors has reviewed
the use by such Portfolio of the Direct Paper System; provided further,
however, that the Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in
contravention of any applicable federal or state
-39-
43
regulations, or any provision of the Articles of Incorporation, and further
provided, that the Fund on behalf of one or more of the Portfolios may at any
time by action of its Board of Directors (i) substitute another bank or trust
company for the Custodian by giving notice as described above to the Custodian,
or (ii) immediately terminate this Contract in the event of the appointment of
a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency
or upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate
regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund on behalf of each
applicable Portfolio shall pay to the Custodian such compensation as may be due
as of the date of such termination and shall likewise reimburse the Custodian
for its costs, expenses and disbursements.
15. Successor Custodian
If a successor custodian for the Fund, of one or more of the
Portfolios shall be appointed by the Board of Directors of the Fund, the
Custodian shall, upon termination, deliver to such successor custodian at the
office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all
securities of each applicable Portfolio then held by it hereunder and shall
transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of the securities of each
such Portfolio held in a Securities System.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian
shall, in like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board
of Directors of the Fund, deliver at the
-40-
44
office of the Custodian and transfer such securities, funds and other
properties in accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian
or certified copy of a vote of the Board of Directors shall have been delivered
to the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become
effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust
company, which is a "bank" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own selection, having an
aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last
published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other
properties held by the Custodian on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and all
instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property held
by it under this Contract on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and to transfer
to an account of such successor custodian all of the securities of each such
Portfolio held in any Securities System. Thereafter, such bank or trust company
shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Contract.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to or of
the Board of Directors to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be
entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the
Custodian retains possession of such securities,
-41-
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funds and other properties and the provisions of this Contract relating to the
duties and obligations of the Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and
the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios, may from time to time agree on
such provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this
Contract as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of
this Contract. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a
writing signed by both parties and shall be annexed hereto, provided that no
such interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any applicable
federal or state regulations or any provision of the Articles of Incorporation
of the Fund. No interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the
preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Contract.
17. Additional Funds
In the event that the Fund establishes one or more series of Shares in
addition to AIM Charter Fund, AIM Constellation Fund, and AIM ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund
with respect to which it desires to have the Custodian render services as
custodian under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing,
and if the Custodian agrees in writing to provide such services, such series of
Shares shall become a Portfolio hereunder.
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18. Massachusetts Law to Apply
This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof
interpreted under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
19. Prior Contracts
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all
prior contracts between the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios and the
Custodian relating to the custody of the Fund's assets.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to
be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and
its seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 1st day of October, 1992.
ATTEST AIM EQUITY FUNDS, INC.
/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ By /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇
------------------------- -------------------------
Assistant Secretary Vice President
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ By [ILLEGIBLE]
------------------------- -------------------------
Assistant Secretary Senior Vice President
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47
Schedule A
The following foreign banking institutions and foreign securities
depositories have been approved by the Board of Directors of AIM Equity Funds,
Inc. for use as sub-custodians for the Fund's securities and other assets:
State Street London Ltd.
Euroclear
Certified:
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Fund's Authorized Officer
Date:
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